Check out these kitchens designs that went from dated to updated!
http://www.mydesignguide.com/samplepg1.php?pid=0000001001&ic=1&ic2=1
http://www.mydesignguide.com/samplepg1.php?pid=0000001239&ic=1&ic2=1
You don't have to start from scratch....Hope this helps....

PS love your wall color.

Very nice kitchen, especially the tile rug on the floor! I'd paint the walls an off white. Get paint color swatches and match the very lightest color in the tiles. I think the rug is the focal point in the kitchen, so keep the plant above the stove, but not in the other area. Only the plant, not the other things. To repeat the rug focal point again, have the decorative window glass repeat every color in the rug tile all along the window sills. You have started this, but have more glass in other colors that are in the "rug". See if you can buy (thrift shop) really tall pieces of decorative glass to make a statement: buy mainly tall green glass and have other colors in minority (just like in the tile rug). Bamboo blinds might look good at the french doors if you can find them in a honey color. If you replace the chair seat covers, think a yellow-green stripe or pattern. The colors that will blend nicely with the kitchen are about the same: the colors in the tile "rug", mainly that color green, some green-yellow and a few other accent colors. that are represented in the "rug" (use the accent colors in small amounts.). Here's a very modern kitchen, but almost the same as yours THIS is the eat in area of their kitchen, note the soft yellow and greens.

ty all for your suggestions :)